Final answer:
The five controls of soil formation are climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time. Climate influences weathering and decomposition, organisms impact soil structure, relief affects drainage and erosion, parent material determines soil composition, and time contributes to the development of distinct soil horizons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Five Controls of Soil Formation
- Climate: The climate, including factors such as temperature and rainfall, influences the rate of weathering and decomposition of soil parent material.
- Organisms: Living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, play a significant role in soil formation and structure. They contribute to the physical and chemical processes that break down and mix the soil.
- Relief: The relief or topography of an area affects soil formation by influencing factors such as drainage and erosion. Steep slopes, for example, can cause erosion and result in shallower soils.
- Parent Material: The parent material refers to the underlying material from which the soil forms. Different types of parent material, such as rocks or sediments, can determine the composition and characteristics of the soil.
- Time: Time is an essential factor in soil formation, as soils develop over long periods. Materials are deposited, decomposed, and transformed over time, contributing to the formation of distinct soil horizons.